De Lima said an investigation is ongoing, and a search team is now conducting a manhunt operation against the fugitive.

“He's an escapee, and therefore can be a valid subject for a manhunt,” she said.

De Lima, the current head of the NBP following the indefinite leave of Bureau of Corrections chief Gaudencio Pangilinan, learned of the missing inmate during her visit to the NBP in Muntinlupa City on Friday.